Save Our Springfield: Making It Happen at Miss Maggies

[Metro Jacksonville]

Save Our Springfield: Making It Happen at Miss Maggies



Following four years of divisive and self destructive behavior from the leadership of the historic district of Springfield, the neighborhood found itself isolated, divided, and incredibly, with more historic homes endangered than ever before.  Hundreds of historic homes had been slated for demolition and a third of the neighborhood had been declared a toxic ash zone.  On top of that deep fissures had appeared between neighbors that had created a descent into acrimony and stalemate.  Sick of the politics and shenanigans, groups of neighbors began to step up and take matters into their own hands, and within weeks the true heart of the neighborhood was finally visible again.  One of the most encouraging signs to come from the area in years took place recently: the concerted neighborhood effort to rescue the deteriorating home of Miss Maggie, an elderly resident since the 1960s.  Join MetroJacksonville with a photo essay of how the neighborhood came together and started the healing process.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-aug-save-our-springfield-making-it-happen-at-miss-maggies

[ricosuave]

Well done!!

[vicupstate]

Bravo !! The best news to come out of Springfield in a long time !!

[sheclown]

Thank you MJ!  It was truly a neighborhood effort which included everyone!  At last count, Nicole figured 60+ people showed up.  Some brought sandwiches, some brought hammers.

& crazy about those people without ties to Springfield who showed up after reading about it in the forum -- and the donation-- making it a city-wide event.

[avs]

Thank you MJ for highlighting the best part of Springfield - the people who live here

[jaxlore]

wow thats really great!

[simms3]

God I love this neighborhood!  I think if Jesus walked today, he would approve hehe

[HPC_Autumn]

Beautiful essay and a wonderful job guys!  I wanted to help but was unable to I hope future events are planned so that I can participate

[uptowngirl]

Planning on a November event Autumn, and will again keep all the MetroJacksonville readers updated as details are finalized.

[Springfielder]

I certainly appreciate how MJ has covered this event and of course, being a catalyst for helping to spread the word of all that we're doing here in Springfield.

[iloveionia]

Hope. Love. Faith.
That photo of Miss Maggie says it all.
Funny thing is we didn't put up the lattice around the house. Our coming together as a neighborhood inspired Miss Maggie's family and offered hope as they did that. 
The power of giving is contagious. Imagine what other beautiful things are happening for her now?!
I bought in Spfld because of the historic homes. But how serendipitious to have found a family of people where I feel I belong.
I love Historic Springfield.
Plain and simple.

Planning a Thanksgiving Make it Happen Preservation Project. Will keep everyone posted as details are worked out.
Thank you for your love and support as we continue on this path of preservation.
Save Our Springfield!



 

[iloveionia]

Notice how Miss Maggie's heart is simply solid red under her address plaque? 

[urbaknight]

Please, let me know of future projects, I would be interested in contributing somehow. I don't see very well, but I can find a way to help.

[Timkin]

This is an amazing gesture of kindness to a fellow human being and to a home in need.  I admire those of you who have the decency to put your sweat and love and contributions to a very loving use.


I wish there were more groups like yourselves and myself/the group of people who help me on PS4.   Miss Maggie, though I do not know her is obviously a beautiful soul, and so deserving of a loving group that did such a beautiful facelift to her humble home.

KUDOS TO YOU ALL !!!!

[sheclown]

urbaknight, your offer of help is gladly accepted!